In the course of my job, I drive a lot of new cars (Hondas, to be precise). It's come to my attention that there are far too many things WITHIN a vehicle to distract(kids/dogs notwithstanding). I'm of the opinion that, if the govt. (4-letter word) really want to improve safety on the roads, they should force car manufacturers to limit the amount of things that can be done whilst the car is in motion. My 1995 Citroen AX has, in total, 11 things that press or slide or 'work stuff'-this includes indicators, light switches, etc. I can close my eyes and operate everything and anything I want, because I know where it is and, also, the buttons/switches only perform one operation. I don't have to scroll through a series of sub-menu's to change, for example, the ambient temperature of the N/S/R passenger footwell. If only basic operations were available to the driver whilst the vehicle was in motion, the roads would be a ****** safer place...well, OK, there'd be less distraction inside the car. As a rider, it genuinely sickens me to think that most cage drivers have limited driving/observational skills, they're already distracted by kids and now they have a host of unnecessary goodies to play with, along with the phone and the dog. I also believe that the driving test should include time on a pedal bike and a scooter/small motorbike, so these drivers know the capabilities and limitations of them, and, most importantly, the vulnerability of those who ride them.
Perhaps I should lobby my MP.
